Thailand coup: More than 1,000 anti-coup protesters defy junta ban with march

Thai armed soldiers stand guard as the pro-democracy activists hold a demonstration against the military coup at a shopping district in central Bangkok, Thailand, on May 25, 2014. More than 1,000 Thai anti-coup protesters marched across the capital Bangkok Sunday as opposition to a military takeover of the country gathered strength, despite junta warnings to end rallies. -- PHOTO: EPA

BANGKOK (AFP) - More than 1,000 Thai anti-coup protesters marched across the capital Bangkok Sunday as opposition to a military takeover of the country gathered strength, despite junta warnings to end rallies.

Protesters shouting "Get Out!" made their way across the city cheered by onlookers, an AFP reporter at the scene said, after a tense standoff with armed soldiers in the city's retail heart as demonstrations swelled to the largest expression of dissent since the army seized power on Thursday.

There was no sign of the military or police on the streets, despite an earlier junta statement calling on people not to protest, and rules under martial law banning gatherings of more than five people.

The military has detained former premier Yingluck Shinawatra and scores of other ousted government leaders and political figures following the coup, which has provoked sharp international criticism.